Hard-sided suitcase

ABSTRACT

A suitcase includes at least two hard-sided shells forming at least one storage compartment. An expansion portion is positioned between first and second ones of the hard-sided shells at approximately a midpoint of a depth of the suitcase. The expansion portion includes an expansion shell portion and a flexible expansion gusset. An opening zipper is configured to connect the first one of the hard-sided shells to the expansion shell portion and to provide access to the at least one storage compartment. An expansion zipper is configured to connect the expansion shell portion and the second one of the hard-sided shells. When unzipped the flexible expansion gusset connects the expansion shell portion and the second hard-sided shell such that the expansion portion increases a storage capacity of the suitcase. At least one carrying handle is attached to an exterior surface of the expansion shell portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION AND PRIORITY

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/444,924, filed Apr. 12, 2012, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/445,106, filed Apr. 12, 2012, which are both continuations-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/982,493, filed Dec. 30, 2010, which claims priority to U.S. Patent Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/299,727, filed Jan. 29, 2010 and entitled “Hard-Sided Expandable Suitcase,” the entireties of which are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present application relates to luggage, and more particularly to hard-sided suitcases and telescopic luggage handles.

BACKGROUND

Currently, consumers have a variety of different options when it comes to luggage for their personal belongings and/or other articles. For example, consumers can use suitcases, briefcases, computer cases, beauty cases, business cases, travel bags, and a host of other types of cases. People often spend considerable resources to ensure that they have suitcases which are both durable and stylish. However, in addition to desiring a suitcase which is both durable and styling, people also seek suitcases which provide a significant amount of storage space and compartments, without being cumbersome and unwieldy. Many available suitcases come in a variety of sizes which feature a plurality of pockets and storage compartments.

Soft-sided suitcases have been provided in expandable versions, however once a soft-sided suitcase has been expanded to fit in extra clothing and other belongings, it may not be possible to compress them back to their original size because of the stresses that this puts on the fabric that forms the suitcase. This means that the suitcase may have to be carried in the expanded state, which may mean that the suitcase no longer meets an airline size requirements, or that the carrying handles become offset with respect to the center of weight of the suitcase, making the case unwieldy to carry. However, hard-sided suitcases have generally not been successfully expandable. Currently available hard-sided suitcases have thus often had to be provided in larger sizes to ensure larger storage capacities, which may result in a suitcase which may be inconveniently large for many consumers. Additionally, larger hard-sided suitcases may weigh an unacceptably high amount, even while empty, which can use up too much of an airline weight restriction amount for the luggage.

It is desirable to provide expandable hard-sided suitcases in novel configurations.

Additionally, conventional luggage handles include, for example, those disclosed by U.S. Design Pat. No. D536,875 (entitled “Luggage Handle”); U.S. Pub. No. 2011/0168507 (entitled “Steerable Carriage Apparatus”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,281 (entitled “Retractable Luggage Handle Mounting Hardware”); U.S. Pat. No. 5,397,151 (entitled “Retractable Luggage Handle Mounting Assembly”); U.S. Pat. No. 6,857,512 (entitled “Selectively Rotatable Handle Assembly for Towable Luggage”); U.S. Pat. No. 7,226,073 (entitled “Luggage Cart Having a Telescoping Handle With the Addition of a Foldable Supportive Wheel Assembly”); and U.S. Pub. No. 2010/0095480 (entitled “Universal Bracket and Luggage Handle System”). However, conventional luggage handles may have various drawbacks, such as being poorly designed, providing inadequate space within a luggage compartment, having rough interior or exterior surfaces, being cumbersome and unwieldy, having several components and insufficient strength and durability, and/or having other deficiencies.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, a hard-sided suitcase includes at least two hard-sided shells forming at least one storage compartment of the hard-sided suitcase. An expansion portion is positioned between a first one of the hard-sided shells and a second one of the hard-sided shells at approximately a midpoint of a depth of the hard-sided suitcase. The expansion portion includes an expansion shell portion and a flexible expansion gusset. An opening zipper is configured when zipped to connect the first one of the hard-sided shells to the expansion shell portion, and when unzipped to provide access to the at least one storage compartment. An expansion zipper is configured when zipped to connect the expansion shell portion and the second one of the hard-sided shells, and when unzipped the flexible expansion gusset connects the expansion shell portion and the second hard-sided shell such that the expansion portion increases a storage capacity of the at least one storage compartment of the hard-sided suitcase. At least one carrying handle is attached to an exterior surface of the expansion shell portion.

A hard-sided suitcase includes a left hard-sided shell and a right hard-sided shell configured to form a main storage compartment of the hard-sided suitcase. An expansion portion is positioned between the left hard-sided shell and the right hard-sided shell. The expansion portion includes an expansion shell portion and a flexible expansion gusset. An opening zipper is configured when zipped to connect the left hard-sided shell to the expansion shell portion, and when unzipped to provide access to the main storage compartment. An expansion zipper is configured when zipped to connect the expansion shell portion and the right hard-sided shell, and when unzipped the flexible expansion gusset connects the expansion shell portion and the right hard-sided shell such that the expansion portion increases a storage capacity of the main storage compartment of the hard-sided suitcase. At least one carrying handle is attached to an exterior surface of the expansion shell portion.

In some embodiments, a hard-sided suitcase includes at least two polycarbonate shells forming at least one storage compartment of the hard-sided suitcase. An expansion portion is positioned between a first one of the polycarbonate shells and a second one of the polycarbonate shells at approximately a midpoint of a depth of the hard-sided suitcase. The expansion portion includes an expansion polycarbonate shell portion and a fabric expansion gusset. An opening zipper connects the first one of the polycarbonate shells to the expansion polycarbonate shell portion and provides access to the at least one storage compartment. An expansion zipper is positioned between the expansion polycarbonate shell portion and the second one of the polycarbonate shells. In an non-expanded state, the expansion zipper is closed and connects the expansion polycarbonate shell portion with the second one of the polycarbonate shells. In an expanded state, the expansion zipper is open and the fabric expansion gusset connects the expansion polycarbonate shell portion with the second one of the polycarbonate shells so as to increase a storage capacity of the at least one storage compartment of the hard-sided suitcase.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

There are shown in the drawings arrangements which are presently discussed, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary hard-sided suitcase in a closed position featuring a honeycomb plastic frame;

FIG. 2 depicts the exemplary hard-sided suitcase of FIG. 1 in an opened position;

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary plastic reinforcement frame;

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary method of manufacture and assembly;

FIG. 5 depicts a back view of another exemplary hard-sided suitcase;

FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary telescopic handle;

FIG. 7 depicts a top view of the exemplary hard-sided suitcase of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary method of manufacture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described with respect to a hard-sided suitcase for carrying and/or storing different types of articles. It should be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied to other types of hard-sided suitcases. Referring to the drawings, an embodiment of a hard-sided suitcase 10 for storing articles is illustrated. Notably, the suitcase may comprise a variety of different types of luggage. For example, the suitcase may be a traditional suitcase, a briefcase, a laptop bag/case, a computer bag/case, a business case, a travel bag, a beauty case, or a variety of other types of luggage. Of course, the aforementioned types of suitcases are merely for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the suitcase to the listed varieties.

The hard-sided suitcase 10 may include front, back, side, and top and bottom portions. The suitcase 10 may include two hard-sided shells 20, which may be utilized to form one or more storage compartments for the hard-sided suitcase 10. Outer portions of the hard-sided shells may form at least a portion of the front, back, sides, top and bottom portions. The inner portions of the hard-sided shells may be lined with various types of fabrics or other similar features and may include one or more pockets, which may be opened and closed through zipper mechanisms or other mechanisms for opening and closing pockets. The two hard-sided shells may be utilized to form a primary compartment. One or more other hard-sided shells may be utilized to faun secondary compartments as well.

Notably, the shells 20 may be comprised of a thermoplastic composition or other similar composition. In an embodiment, the shells may be comprised of a polycarbonate composition, which may include adding one or more other substances to the composition such as ABS plastic. The polycarbonate composition may enable the shells to be flexible, while maintaining a generally rigid form. When stressors are applied to the shells, the polycarbonate composition may allow the shells to absorb the impact from the stressors and cause the shells to flex to accommodate the stressors. After the stressors have been remove, the polycarbonate composition may enable the suitcase to return to its original shape.

The hard-sided shells 20 may be connectable to one another through the use of an opening zipper 30 or other fastening mechanism such as, but not limited to, snap fasteners, buttons, and buckles. Each side of the zipper 30 may include a plurality of metal or plastic teeth, which may be stitched or otherwise attached to corresponding pieces of fabric tape. The fabric tape may be comprised of ballistic nylon or other similar materials. One fabric tape may be stitched or otherwise fastened to an edge of one of the hard-sided shells and the other fabric tape may be fastened to an edge of another hard-sided shell. The zipper 30 may include one or more sliders 35, which may be configured to hold at least a portion of the plurality of teeth on each side of the zipper mechanism. Once the slider 35 is slid across the plurality of teeth, it may be utilized to connect the edges of the hard-sided shells together, which forms a seal for the storage compartments within the shells.

In one embodiment, the zipper 30 may be slid across the entire edges of the hard-sided shells 20. Such a configuration would allow the compartments to be entirely or almost entirely separated upon completely unzipping the edges from one another. However, in another embodiment, the suitcase may have a hinge 40 (shown in FIG. 2), preferably along the bottom portion of the suitcase. The hinge may permanently connect at least a portion (such as the bottom portion) of the edges of the hard-sided shells together. The remaining portions of the edges that are not connected by the hinge may be connectable via the zipper mechanism. By utilizing the hinge, this may allow the hard-sided shells to remain at least partially connected to one another, particularly in the event that the zipper mechanism fails. In some arrangements, the hinge may be formed of a hard nylon, or plastic material.

As shown in FIG. 2, the interior of the back hard-shell 20 may be smooth and/or generally flat. The interior of the back hard-shell 20 may be devoid of any components or arms associated with a handle, such as a telescopic handle 50. As a result, the size of the main storage compartment may be enlarged.

The suitcase 10 may include one or more handles for carrying, pulling, pushing, and/or lifting the suitcase. The handles may include a rigid, telescoping handle 50 which may have a push button lock. The telescoping handle 50 may be connected to a top portion or other portion of a hard-sided shell so as to allow for easy transportation of the suitcase. The handle may include trolley tubes, which may extend through a portion of the hard-sided shell to which it is attached. This may allow for additional structural support and allow the handle to undergo a greater amount of stress.

In one embodiment, the trolley tubes may be encased within the storage compartment into a protrusion along the backside of the hard-sided shell. The encasing may be performed laying a fabric, plastic, or other material across the trolley tubes so as to ensure the flat surface. Once the trolley tubes are encased, a flat surface may be created across the trolley tubes. This allows one to pack the compartment of the suitcase without having to pack around the trolley tubes, while also ensuring a more uniform compartment space. One may also pack between the trolley tubes. One or more carry handles 60 may also be included. For example, on a large suitcase two carry handles 60 may be provided, one on the top of the suitcase 10 and one on a side thereof.

The suitcase 10 may also be configured to include a plurality of wheels 70 for transporting the suitcase. In one configuration, two wheels 70 may be connected to a bottom portion of a hard-sided shell, preferably along the opposite ends of the bottom of the shell. In another configuration, another set of wheels may be connected to a bottom portion of another hard-sided shell so as to allow for four wheels positioned at the four ends of the bottom of the suitcase.

Any number of wheels and any position for placement of the wheels may be utilized as well. For example, one wheel may be placed on a bottom portion of one hard-sided shell and two wheels may be placed on a bottom portion of another hard-sided shell. Such a positioning may allow for greater stability and for easier transportation of the suitcase 10. In an embodiment, the wheels may be plated with chrome or another similar material. Plating the wheels with chrome or other similar materials may enable the wheels to rotate along a variety of surfaces in a smooth and easy motion by minimizing friction and drag along the surfaces. In another embodiment, the wheels may be hub cap plated. The wheels may be manufactured from rubber, nylon, plastic, metal, or other materials. The wheels may have packed or other types of bearings to facilitate rotation.

The suitcase 10 may be configured to have one or more expandable portions 80, which may be utilized to expand one or more storage compartments of the suitcase. The expansion portion 80 may comprise a fabric expansion gusset 84 and a polycarbonate composite expansion shell portion 86. The gusset 84 may be made of ballistic nylon or other similar materials, particularly materials which allow for flexibility. The expansion shell portion 86 may be connected to at least one of the hard-sided shells 20 at an edge of the shell 20. Notably, the expandable portion 80 may be secured in a non-expanded state by utilizing an expansion zipper 90 or other similar securing mechanism, which may be connected between an edge of one shell 20 and the expansion shell portion 86 with the expansion gusset between the two sides of the zipper 90.

When an individual pulls a slider 95 to open the expansion zipper 90, the expandable portion may expand so as to increase the storage capacity of the suitcase. For example, the expandable portion 80 may allow the storage capacity of the suitcase to be increased by 10-25%. If the individual would like to return the suitcase to its original size, the individual may close the zipper 90 using its slider mechanism 95, if necessary while applying force or sitting on one of the shells 20. This may enable the two shells 20 to compress the contents of the suitcase down to a smaller size if desired, or the user may travel with the suitcase 10 in the expanded configuration.

The expansion shell portion 86 may include a honeycomb or other plastic frame portion 100 (shown in FIG. 3), which may be positioned on an interior side of the expansion shell portion 86. The frame 100 may be screwed and/or riveted to the polycarbonate expansion shell portion 86, and may be covered with a nylon or other fabric lining so as to hide the frame from direct view. The frame portion 100 may provide additional strength to the expansion shell portion 86.

Notably, the expansion shell portion 86 may be located at approximately the midpoint of the width of the suitcase 10, and supports at least one of the carry handles 60, preferably supporting two carry handles 60, one on the top of the suitcase and one on the side of the suitcase. This may provide several advantages. First, the expandable portion 80 and the shell to which it is attached form a deep receptacle for packing clothes into. This may make for easier packing and closing of the suitcase 10 than with a suitcase formed of two equally-sized shell portions. Second, the carry handles 60 may be provided at the midpoint of the suitcase, which may make for easier weight distribution and carrying of the suitcase. Such positioning of the handle may allow an even-balanced, level lift of the suitcase when an individual decides to transport the suitcase. The frame portion 100 attached to the expansion shell portion 86 may provide sufficient strength to prevent buckling of the expansion shell portion 86 as the weight of the suitcase may be carried by the carry handle 60.

In one embodiment, the suitcase 100 may include a locking mechanism for preventing unauthorized access to one or more compartments of the suitcase. The locking mechanism may be a conventional lock and key mechanism, a combination lock, a key code lock, a radio frequency identification lock, or other types of locks. Additionally, the locking mechanism may be a biometric lock, which, for example, may be configured to read fingerprints or other physical identifiers.

In one embodiment, aluminum side frames may be attached to the outside of the suitcase 10, both for a decorative look and to protect the edges of the suitcase from knocks during transit. Other side frames may be used, including those made from other types of metal or other materials.

I. EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In one embodiment, the hard-sided suitcase may include two hard shells configured to together form a main storage compartment of the hard-sided suitcase; an expansion portion positioned between the two hard shells at approximately a midpoint of a depth of the suitcase; and at least one carrying handle attached to the expansion portion. The hard-sided suitcase may further include an opening zipper connecting one of the two hard shells to the expansion portion and providing access to the main storage compartment of the hard-sided suitcase, and an expansion zipper connecting the expansion portion and the other of the two hard shells. The expansion zipper may be include a flexible gusset or other expandable portion. The hard-sided suitcase may include a reinforcement frame connected to the expansion portion such that the expansion portion may bear the weight of the hard-sided suitcase when lifted by the carrying handle. The reinforcement frame may be a honeycomb plastic frame that is enclosed by a fabric material. The reinforcement frame may be attached to the expansion portion to re-enforce the expansion portion during use.

In another embodiment, the hard-sided suitcase may include a left hard shell and a right hard shell configured to form a main storage compartment of the hard-sided suitcase; an expansion portion positioned between the left and right hard shells at approximately a midpoint of a depth of the suitcase; and at least one carrying handle attached to the expansion portion. The hard-sided suitcase may further include an opening zipper connecting the left hard shell to the expansion portion and providing access to the main storage compartment of the hard-sided suitcase, and an expansion zipper connecting the expansion portion and the right hard shell. The hard-sided suitcase may include a reinforcement frame connected to the expansion portion such that the expansion portion may be configured to bear the weight of the hard-sided suitcase when lifted by the carrying handle.

The expansion zipper may include a flexible gusset or other expandable portion. The reinforcement frame may be a honeycomb plastic or other frame that is enclosed by a fabric material. The reinforcement frame may be screwed or riveted to the expansion portion and the expansion portion may be manufactured from a polycarbonate based composite or other material. The hard-sided suitcase may include a hinge between the left hard shell and the expansion portion to facilitate opening the hard-sided suitcase. The hard-sided suitcase may include wheels that may be hub cap plated. The left and right hard shells may be manufactured from a polycarbonate based or other material. The hard-sided suitcase may include additional, fewer, or alternate components, including those discuss elsewhere herein.

II. EXEMPLARY METHOD OF MANUFACTURE AND ASSEMBLY

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary method of manufacture and assembly of a hard-sided suitcase 400. The method 400 may include manufacturing two hard shells 402, manufacturing an expansion portion 404, manufacturing and attaching a carrying handle to the expansion portion 406, manufacturing and attaching an opening zipper 408, manufacturing and attaching an expansion zipper 410, and manufacturing and attaching a reinforcement frame 412. The method may include additional, fewer, or alternate actions.

The method 400 may include manufacturing two hard shells 402. The two hard shells may be configured to form a main storage compartment of the hard-sided suitcase. For instance, a right hard shell and a left hard shell, or a top hard shell and a bottom hard shell, may be manufactured to form a main storage compartment. The hard shells may be manufactured from ABS plastic, PVC, metal, plastic, forms of thermoplastic, polycarbonate, or any combination thereof or any combination of other plastics known in the art.

The hard shells may be smooth and configured to be devoid of sharp corners. The hard shells may retain their shape during use and/or when the suitcase is empty. In one embodiment, one of the hard shells is configured to be larger than the other, such as a top hard shell being smaller than a larger bottom hard shell. Alternatively, the two hard shells may be configured to have the same or substantially the same shape and/or storage capacity.

Either or both of the hard shells may have an embedded or otherwise attached locking mechanism for locking the hard shells together, and then unlocking the hard shells. The locking mechanism may be operated by manually entering a code, by key, by finger print reader, or other means.

The method 400 may include manufacturing an expansion portion 404. The expansion portion may be positioned between the two hard shells at approximately a midpoint of a depth of the suitcase. The expansion portion may be positioned at other locations with respect to the depth of the suitcase. The expansion portion may include a fabric portion and a shell portion. The fabric portion may be manufactured from flexible and/or soft material, such as nylon or other suitcase material. The shell portion may be manufactured from ABS plastic, PVC, metal, plastic, forms of thermoplastic, polycarbonate, or any combination thereof or any combination of other plastics known in the art.

The shell portion may have a width of between approximately 0.25 inches and approximately 3.0 inches. In one embodiment, the shell portion may have a width of between approximate 1.0 inch and approximately 2.0 inches. The shell portion may have a thickness of between approximately 0.1 and approximately 0.4 inches. Other widths and thicknesses may be used.

The method 400 may include manufacturing and attaching at least one carrying handle to the expansion portion 406. A carrying handle may be attached to the expansion portion, such as to the shell portion of the expansion portion. The carrying handle may be manufactured wholly or partially from ABS plastic, PVC, metal, plastic, forms of thermoplastic, polycarbonate, or any combination thereof or any combination of other plastics known in the art.

The carrying handle may be riveted, screwed, or otherwise firmly attached to the shell portion and/or the expansion portion.

The method 400 may include manufacturing and attaching an opening zipper 408 to the hard-sided suitcase. The opening zipper may be an expandable or other zipper arrangement. The opening zipper may be stitched or otherwise attached to one or both of the hard shells. For example, the opening zipper may be stitched directly to one or both of the hard shells. Alternatively, the opening zipper may be stitched directly to one of the hard shells and directly or indirectly to the expansion portion. The zipper arrangement may be stitched directly to a frame or rim extended around the exterior of either or both of the hard shells and/or the expansion portion.

In one embodiment, the opening zipper may directly or indirectly connect one of the two hard shells to the expansion portion and provide access to the main storage compartment of the hard-sided suitcase. In another embodiment, the opening zipper arrangement may include an expandable zipper arrangement or gusset section that expands the size of the main storage container during use.

The method 400 may include manufacturing and attaching an expansion zipper 410 to the hard-sided suitcase. The expansion zipper may connect the expansion portion and the other of the two hard shells. The expansion zipper may be configured to have a flexible gusset or other flexible and/or expandable attachment.

The expandable zipper may be similar to the opening zipper, and may be stitched or otherwise attached to one or both of the hard shells. For example, the expandable zipper may be stitched directly to one or both of the hard shells. Alternatively, one side of the expandable zipper may be stitched directly or indirectly to one of the hard shells, and the other side of the expandable zipper may be stitched directly or indirectly to the expansion portion. The expandable zipper arrangement may be stitched directly to a frame or rim extended around the exterior of either or both of the hard shells and/or the expansion portion.

In one embodiment, the opening zipper may be located between a first hard shell and the expansion portion, and on the other hand, the expandable zipper may be located between the expansion portion and a second hard shell. Other configurations may be used, including those with additional, fewer, or alternate components.

The method 400 may include manufacturing and assembling a reinforcement frame 412 to re-enforce the expansion portion and/or the shell portion of the expansion portion. The reinforcement frame may be connected to the expansion portion such that the expansion portion is configured to bear the weight of the hard-sided suitcase when lifted by the carrying handle during use.

In one embodiment, the shell portion of the expansion portion may include a honeycomb or other plastic reinforcement frame portion. The honeycomb plastic reinforcement frame portion may be on an interior side of the shell portion. The reinforcement frame may be screwed, riveted, glued, bolted, or other wise directly or indirectly attached to the shell portion.

The reinforcement frame may be approximately square or rectangular in shape. The reinforcement frame may be a frame extending around the exterior of the suitcase. The width of the reinforcement frame may be between approximately 0.25 inches and approximately 3.0 inches. In one embodiment, the reinforcement frame may have a width of between approximate 1.0 inch and approximately 2.0 inches. The width of the reinforcement frame may be the same or approximately the same as the shell portion.

The reinforcement frame may have a thickness of between approximately 0.1 and approximately 2.0 inches. In one embodiment, the reinforcement frame may have a thickness of between approximate 1.0 inch and approximately 2.0 inches. Thickness of the reinforcement frame may extend into the interior of the hard-sided suitcase. In one embodiment, the width and the thickness of the reinforcement frame are the same or approximately the same. Other widths and thicknesses may be used.

The reinforcement frame may be covered with a nylon or other fabric lining so as to hide the frame from direct view. The fabric lining covering the reinforcement frame may have a zipper arrangement to facilitate assembly and the covering of the reinforcement frame with a fabric material. The reinforcement frame portion may provide additional strength to the shell portion, and in turn the expansion portion.

III. ADDITIONAL EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

In general, a hard-sided suitcase may have a front and a back hard-sided shell that together comprise a main storage compartment. A telescopic handle may having retractable or extendable arms, corresponding tubes configured to house the arms, and a curved handle. The tubes of the telescopic handle may be fully or partially encased within the back hard-sided shell. As a result, the tubes may be substantially or approximately flush with the exterior of the back hard-sided shell, and the interior of the back hard-sided shell may provide a smooth and continuous surface to the main storage compartment to alleviate the need to pack around or over any fixed tubes or other components of the telescopic handle during use. The curved handle may be configured to fit into or within a corresponding curved and/or indented surface on the top, back corner of the back hard-sided shell. The top and backmost portions of the curved handle may be substantially or approximately flush with the exterior surfaces of the back hard-sided shell.

More specifically, in one aspect, the hard-sided suitcase may provide a back hard-sided shell that at least partially encases the frame and/or fixed tubes of a telescopic handle. The frame or fixed tubes may remain partially visible when viewing the exterior of the back hard-sided shell.

For example, the hard-sided suitcase may include front and back hard-sided shells defining a main storage compartment. The hard-sided suitcase may include a telescopic handle having retractable arms, a handle, and fixed tubes. The retractable arms may be configured to extend into and out of the fixed tubes. The fixed tubes of the telescopic handle may be at least partially encased within, and immovable with respect to, the back hard-sided shell such that the backmost portion of the fixed tubes may be substantially or approximately flush with a backmost exterior of the back hard-sided shell, while still remaining visible. Simultaneously, a smooth and continuous surface may be provided by, or on the surface of, the interior of the back hard-sided shell that faces toward the main storage compartment to facilitate the packing of clothing and other articles within the main storage compartment without requiring packing around any fixed tubes or other components of the telescopic handle that protrude from the back hard-sided shell and into the main storage compartment.

In another aspect, the hard-sided suitcase may include a telescopic handle having a curved handle. The curved handle may be configured to mate with or fit within corresponding surfaces on the top, back corner of the back hard-sided shell such that the top and backmost portions of the curved handle, when the telescopic handle is the stored position, are substantially or approximately flush with the top and back exterior surfaces of the back hard-sided shell, respectively.

As an example, the hard-sided suitcase may include front and back hard-sided shells defining a main storage compartment. The hard-sided suitcase may include a telescopic handle having a curved handle interconnected with a right retractable arm and a left retractable arm. The right and left retractable arms may be configured to retract into and extend from corresponding right and left fixed tubes that are at least partially encased within the back hard-sided shell. The curved handle may be configured to bend inward toward the main storage compartment by bending inward while the curved handle moves away from a top portion of both the right and left retractable arms and toward a mid-point of the curved handle. For instance, the curved handle may have an undulating or wave-like shape. The curved handle may be configured to fit within a corresponding curved portion on the top, back corner of the back hard-sided shell such that when the right and left retractable arms are retracted into the right and left fixed tubes, respectively, a topmost portion of the curved handle may be substantially or approximately flush with the top exterior surface of the back hard-sided shell and a backmost portion of the curved handle (such as where the curved handle interconnects with the right and left retractable arms) may be substantially or approximately flush with the back exterior surface of the back hard-sided shell to facilitate compactness and/or storage of the hard-sided suitcase.

IV. EXEMPLARY BACK HARD-SIDED SHELL PARTIALLY ENCASING A TELESCOPIC HANDLE

FIG. 5 depicts a back view of an exemplary hard-sided suitcase 500. The hard-sided suitcase 500 may include a back hard-sided shell 502 and a telescopic handle 504. The hard-sided suitcase may include additional, fewer, or alternate components. The back hard-sided shell 502 may be configured to enclose or encase, or partially enclose or encase, the telescopic handle 504, or components thereof, such as a frame portion. The back hard-sided shell 502 may firmly hold the telescopic handle 504, or components thereof, firmly in place with little or no fasteners or fastening devices, such as screws, bolts, nuts, etc. Alternatively, fastening devices may be used. The back hard-sided shell 502 may substantially encase or partially encase the telescopic handle 504 or components thereof to facilitate the telescopic handle 504 remaining in place with respect to the back hard-sided shell 502 during use.

The telescopic handle 504 may comprise a right fixed tube 506, a left fixed tube 508, a bottom 510, a top 512, a curved handle 514, a right retractable arm 516, and a left retractable arm 518. The right fixed tube 506, left fixed tube 508, bottom 510 and top 512 may comprise a frame portion for the telescopic handle 504. The telescopic handle may include additional, fewer, or alternate components.

The right and left fixed tubes 506, 508 may be generally cylindrical or tubular in shape. The right and left fixed tubes 506, 508 may be configured to retractably house the right and left retractable arms 516, 518, respectfully. For instance, the right and left retractable arms 516, 518 may be generally cylindrical or tubular in shape, and each may have an outer diameter sized to make a clearance or interference fit with a corresponding inner diameter of the right and left fixed tubes 506, 508. In other words, the right and left retractable arms 516, 518 are sized to fit into or within the right and left fixed tubes 506, 508, respectively. Releasing or depressing a button may allow the right and left retractable arms 516, 518 to expand into and out of the right and left fixed tubes 506, 508, respectively, during use.

The right and left fixed tubes 506, 508 may be spaced apart and interconnected by the bottom 510 and the top 512 pieces. The right and left fixed tubes 506, 508, the bottom 510, and the top 512 may be at least partially enclosed or encased by the back hard-sided shell 502, and made from metal or other suitable materials. The partial encasement may allow the exterior of the right and left fixed tubes 506, 508, the bottom 510, and the top 512 to each remain visible or at least partially visible, while simultaneously helping to hold the telescopic handle 504 in place during use, such as when the user is dragging or lifting the hard-sided suitcase 500 via the telescopic handle 504.

The curved handle 514 may allow a user to grip and pull the telescopic handle 504, and thus the hard-sided suitcase 500. The curved handle 514 may be indented inward and toward the hard-sided suitcase 500, such as via an undulating shape. The curved handle 514 may be supported vertically and interconnected with the top of both the right and left retractable arms 516, 518. The curved handle 514 may include a push button that allows the right and left retractable arms 516, 518 to move into and out of the right and left fixed tubes 506, 508, respectively.

The back hard-sided shell 502 may include a curved, indented portion 520. The curved, indented portion 520 may be configured to accept or mate with the curved handle 514 of the telescopic handle 504. For instance, the curved handle 514 may extend or curve into the curved, indented portion 520 when the back hard-sided shell 502 is viewed from above. The hard-sided suitcase may include additional, fewer, or alternate features.

V. EXEMPLARY CURVED HANDLE

FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary telescopic handle 504 for the hard-sided suitcase 500. The hard-sided suitcase 500 may include a back hard-sided shell 502, a telescopic handle 504, and a fixed handle 530. The hard-sided suitcase may include additional, fewer, or alternate components.

The telescopic handle 504 may include a curved handle 514, a right retractable arm 516, a left retractable arm 518, and a top 512. The telescopic handle may include additional, fewer, or alternate components, including those shown in FIG. 5.

The right and left retractable arms 516, 518 may be normally housed in corresponding right and left fixed tubes (not shown). The right and left retractable arms 516, 518 may extend from the right and left fixed tubes, respectively, during use. The right and left retractable arms 516, 518 may be spaced apart from and interconnected via the curved handle 514. The curved handle 514 may include a push button 540 that allows for the extension of the right and left retractable arms 516, 518 from the corresponding right and left fixed tubes, and/or moving the right and left retractable arms 516, 518 back into the corresponding right and left fixed tubes during use.

The curved handle 514 may be interconnected with the top of both the right and left retractable arms 516, 518. The curved handle 514 and the right and left retractable arms 516, 518 may be configured as a single piece, and/or made from metal or other suitable material.

The curved handle 514 may bend or curve inward toward the hard-sided suitcase 500 as the curved handle 514 moves away from the right retractable arm 516 and toward the middle of the hard-sided suitcase 500. Moving in the other direction, the curved handle 514 may similarly bend or curve inward toward the hard-sided suitcase 500 moving away from the right retractable arm 516 and toward the middle of the hard-sided suitcase 500. As a result, the curved handle 514 may have a curve with a undulating shape, or even a low U-shape, when viewed from above and in a plane approximately parallel with the top of the hard-sided suitcase 500 or with the fixed handle 530.

The curved handle 514 may have a curve that curves inward toward the hard-sided suitcase 500 and then curves outward from the hard-sided suitcase 500. In one embodiment, the curved handle 514 may have a first side with a first convex or bending outward surface 542, a middle concave or bending inward surface 544, and a second convex or bending outward surface 546. The curved handle 514 may have a second side with a first concave or bending inward surface 548, a middle convex or bending outward surface 550, and a second concave or bending inward surface 552. The corresponding concave and convex surfaces on the first and second sides of the curved handle 514 may be approximately opposite one another when the curved handle 514 is viewed from above.

The middle convex surface 550 of the curved handle 514 may move inward with respect to the back hard-sided shell 502 and be positioned over or slightly over the top of the main storage compartment formed by the back hard-sided shell 502 and a front hard-sided shell. The back hard-sided shell 502 may include an indented portion 520. The indented portion 520 may include a flat bottom surface 522 that is lower that the top most portion of the back hard shell 502 by approximately the height or thickness of the curved handle 514. The indented portion 520 may include a curved surface 524 that curves inward into the top, back corner of the back hard-sided shell 502. The curved surface 524 may be configured to approximately correspond to the shape and/or inward curve(s) of the curved handle 514.

As a result, when the right and left retractable arms 516, 518 are in the stored position, and substantially within the right and left fixed tubes, respectfully, the curved handle 514 may be fit within or substantially within a height, width, and depth of the indented portion 520. The top of the curved handle 514 may then be flush or approximately flush with the top of the back hard-sided shell 502, while the exterior or back most portion of the curved handle 514 (such as the corners interconnecting the curved handle 514 with the right and left retractable arms 516, 518) may be flush or approximately flush with the exterior of the back of the back hard-sided shell 502.

The fixed handle 530 may include a left end 532, a right end 534, and a handle 536. The fixed handle 530 may include additional, fewer, or alternate components.

The handle 536 may be interconnected with the top of the back hard-sided shell 502 via the left end 532 and the right end 534. The left and right ends 532, 534 may comprise fasteners that facilitate a user lifting the hard-sided suitcase 500 via the handle 536.

VI. EXEMPLARY TOP VIEW

FIG. 7 depicts a top view of the exemplary hard-sided suitcase 500. The hard-sided suitcase 500 may include a back hard-sided shell 502, a telescopic handle 504, a fixed handle 530, a zipper 560, and a front hard-sided shell 562. The hard-sided suitcase may include additional, fewer, or alternate components.

The zipper 560 may be configured to open and close the hard-sided suitcase 500. The back hard-sided shell 502 and the front hard-sided shell 562 together may form a main storage compartment of the hard-sided suitcase 500. The telescopic handle 504 may be encased within the back of the back hard-sided shell 502 such that the interior of the hard-sided suitcase 500 and the main storage compartment do not have any fixed tubes and/or other components of the telescopic handle 504 interfering with the packing of clothing or other articles within the main storage compartment. For instance, the interior of the back of the back hard-sided shell 502 may be smooth and cover/encase the fixed tubes and/or other frame components (such as bottom and top pieces interconnecting the fixed tubes) of the telescopic handle 504.

The back hard-sided shell 502 may have an indented portion 520 located in the vicinity of the top, back corner of the back hard-sided shell 502 that is configured to accept a curved handle of the telescopic handle 504. The indented portion 520 may have a flat surface 522 and a curved surface 524. The curved surface 524 may be approximately rounded or circular. The flat surface 522 and the curved surface 524 may provide an indented area at the top of the back of the back hard-sided shell 502 into which the curved handle may reside once the telescopic handle 504 is moved to a stowage position. After which, the top and/or back of the curved handle 514 may be approximately flush with the top and/or back of the back hard-sided shell 502. The bottom of the curved handle may be approximately flush with or slightly separated from the top 512 portion of the telescopic handle 504 when the telescopic handle 504 is in the stowage position.

VII. EXEMPLARY METHOD OF MANUFACTURE

FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary method of manufacture 800. The method may include making a bottom portion or frame of a telescopic handle 802, encasing the frame of the telescopic handle within a back hard-sided shell 804, assembling the back hard-sided shell into a hard-sided suitcase 806, making a handle portion of the telescopic handle 808, and assembling the complete telescopic handle 810. The method may include additional, fewer, or alternative actions.

The method 800 may include making a bottom portion or frame of a telescopic handle 802. A frame of a telescopic handle may include two fixed arms that are supported by and interconnected by a bottom arm and a top arm. For instance, the frame may have a generally rectangular frame shape. The two fixed arms may be tubular and/or cylindrical, and have inner diameters sized to accept corresponding retractable or extendable arms on a handle portion of the telescopic handle.

The method 800 may include encasing the bottom portion or frame of the telescopic handle within a back hard-sided shell 804. The bottom portion or frame may be fully or partially encased within a back hard-sided shell while the back hard-sided shell is being molded, formed, or otherwise manufactured. The back hard-sided shell may be molded such that the interior of the back hard-sided shell is substantially flat and the frame is partially encased by the back hard-sided shell. The frame and components thereof, such as the right and left fixed arms, and the bottom and top arms, may remain partially visible when viewing the back of the back hard-sided shell. The frame and components thereof may be made of metal or other suitable material. The frame may held in place with respect to the back hard-sided shell via either fasteners, such as bolts, screws, and nuts, and/or by the pressure exerted by the back hard-sided shell onto the surfaces of the frame of the telescopic handle.

The method 800 may include assembling the back hard-sided shell into a hard-sided suitcase 806. The back hard-sided shell may be interconnected with a zipper configuration and a front hard-sided shell, as well other components, included those discussed herein, such as fixed handles and gussets, to make a hard-sided suitcase.

The method 800 may include making a handle portion of the telescopic handle 808. A handle portion of the telescopic handle may be a single metallic piece that is configured to have two arms and a handle that holds the two arms together. The two arms may be generally tubular and/or cylindrical in shape, and be sized to fit into corresponding fixed arms of the frame of the telescopic handle that are encased or partially encased within the back hard-sided shell. The handle may be a curved handle and be manufactured to have an undulating or other inward curve. The curved handle may be manufactured to have a centrally located push button that operates various joints, links, springs, and/or other components to allow the handle portion and the two arms to retract into and from the fixed arms of the frame encased within the back hard-sided shell.

The method 800 may include assembling the complete telescopic handle 810. The handle portion may be assembled with the bottom portion or frame of the telescopic handle that is fully or partially encased with the back hard-sided shell. For instance, the two arms of the handle portion may be slid into the two fixed arms of the frame. After which, the telescopic handle may be manufactured such that the handle portion may not become separated from the frame during normal use.

The arrangements described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of various embodiments, and they are not intended to serve as a complete description of all the elements and features of apparatus and systems that might make use of the structures described herein. Many other arrangements will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. Other arrangements may be utilized and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Figures are also merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions thereof may be exaggerated, while others may be minimized. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

Thus, although specific arrangements have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific arrangement shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments and arrangements of the invention. Combinations of the above arrangements, and other arrangements not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.

Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular arrangement(s) disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments and arrangements falling within the scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A hard-sided suitcase, comprising: at least two hard-sided shells forming at least one storage compartment of the hard-sided suitcase; an expansion portion positioned between a first one of the hard-sided shells and a second one of the hard-sided shells at approximately a midpoint of a depth of the hard-sided suitcase, the expansion portion comprising an expansion shell portion and a flexible expansion gusset; an opening zipper configured when zipped to connect the first one of the hard-sided shells to the expansion shell portion, and when unzipped to provide access to the at least one storage compartment; an expansion zipper configured when zipped to connect the expansion shell portion and the second one of the hard-sided shells, and when unzipped the flexible expansion gusset connects the expansion shell portion and the second hard-sided shell such that the expansion portion increases a storage capacity of the at least one storage compartment of the hard-sided suitcase; and at least one carrying handle attached to an exterior surface of the expansion shell portion.
 2. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 1, further comprising a hinge connecting the first one of the hard-sided shells and the expansion portion.
 3. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 1, wherein the hard-sided shells are formed of a polycarbonate material.
 4. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 1, wherein the expansion shell portion is formed of a polycarbonate material.
 5. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 1, wherein the flexible expansion gusset is formed of a fabric.
 6. A hard-sided suitcase, comprising: a left hard-sided shell and a right hard-sided shell configured to form a main storage compartment of the hard-sided suitcase; an expansion portion positioned between the left hard-sided shell and the right hard-sided shell, the expansion portion comprising an expansion shell portion and a flexible expansion gusset; an opening zipper configured when zipped to connect the left hard-sided shell to the expansion shell portion, and when unzipped to provide access to the main storage compartment; an expansion zipper configured when zipped to connect the expansion shell portion and the right hard-sided shell, and when unzipped the flexible expansion gusset connects the expansion shell portion and the right hard-sided shell such that the expansion portion increases a storage capacity of the main storage compartment of the hard-sided suitcase; and at least one carrying handle attached to an exterior surface of the expansion shell portion.
 7. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 6, further comprising a hinge connecting the left hard-sided shell and the expansion portion.
 8. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 6, wherein the hard-sided shells are formed of a polycarbonate material.
 9. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 6, wherein the expansion shell portion is formed of a polycarbonate material.
 10. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 6, wherein the flexible expansion gusset is formed of a fabric.
 11. A hard-sided suitcase, comprising: at least two polycarbonate shells forming at least one storage compartment of the hard-sided suitcase; an expansion portion positioned between a first one of the polycarbonate shells and a second one of the polycarbonate shells at approximately a midpoint of a depth of the hard-sided suitcase, the expansion portion comprising an expansion polycarbonate shell portion and a fabric expansion gusset; an opening zipper connecting the first one of the polycarbonate shells to the expansion polycarbonate shell portion, and providing access to the at least one storage compartment; and an expansion zipper positioned between the expansion polycarbonate shell portion and the second one of the polycarbonate shells, wherein in an non-expanded state, the expansion zipper is closed and connects the expansion polycarbonate shell portion with the second one of the polycarbonate shells, and wherein in an expanded state, the expansion zipper is open and the fabric expansion gusset connects the expansion polycarbonate shell portion with the second one of the polycarbonate shells so as to increase a storage capacity of the at least one storage compartment of the hard-sided suitcase.
 12. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 11, further comprising a carrying handle attached to an exterior surface of the expansion polycarbonate shell portion.
 13. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 11, further comprising a hinge connecting the first one of the polycarbonate shells and the expansion portion.
 14. The hard-sided suitcase of claim 11, wherein the fabric expansion gusset is formed of a ballistic nylon material. 